Understanding AB 1572: Nonfunctional Turf Regulations
Learn how California's new water-use requirements for nonfunctional turf may affect certain properties and what our customers need to know.Compliance Timeline: Properties must discontinue the use of drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf by the following dates: | |
Date | Properties Affected |
January 1, 2027 | State and local government properties |
January 1, 2028 | Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties |
January 1, 2029 | HOA common areas and similar common-interest developments |
January 1, 2031 | Certain local government properties in disadvantaged communities or where state funding provisions apply |
Examples of nonfunctional & Functional Turf
Nonfunctional turf 🚫
Nonfunctional turf 🚫
functional turf ✅
customer Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
AB 1572 is a California law designed to reduce water waste by limiting the use of drinking water on certain decorative grass areas that do not serve a recreational or community purpose.
No. Single-family residential properties are exempt from AB 1572. Homeowners may continue watering their lawns.
Nonfunctional turf is ornamental grass that is maintained primarily for appearance and is not used for recreation, sports, gatherings, or community activities. Examples may include decorative grass in medians, parking lots, and landscape strips.
AB 1572 does not require grass removal. The law restricts the use of potable (drinking) water for irrigating certain nonfunctional turf areas.
The law is being implemented in phases beginning in 2027, depending on property type. Please refer to the compliance timeline listed on this page.
No. Parks and sports fields are considered “functional turf.” Functional turf used for recreation and community activities is exempt from AB 1572.
Customers can visit the California Department of Water Resources and State Water Resources Control Board resources for additional information as implementation guidance continues to be developed.
Functional turf is grass located in areas intended for recreation or community use, including:
- Parks
- Sports fields
- Playgrounds
- Picnic areas
- Pet exercise areas
- Community gathering spaces
No. The law does not require turf removal or replacement, just to stop watering with potable water. Property owners may:
- Remove the turf
- Convert to drought-tolerant landscaping
- Irrigate with recycled water where available (YLWD does not have recycled water)
- Permanently discontinue potable water irrigation
The restriction is on potable water use, not the presence of turf itself.
Yes. Your yard is considered functional turf. AB 1572 only applies to commercial properties and areas of an HOA that are in common-areas and non-functional.